How do you approach the question, 'What are you gonna be for Halloween'? Nowadays there are tons of options at stores like Target, Wal-Mart and even TJMaxx! I've been making my costumes for about ten years now. No, I don't take out the sewing machine (yet!), but household items are a great inspiration for a costume. Sometimes you have to purchase one or two key items, but it helps if there is a second use for it after.
My recent costumes have ranged from gangster, construction worker, the guy from the Redbull commercial and my favorite - a Chimney Sweep! I always enjoy the challenge of avoiding the scantily clad route and instead go for creative, somewhat flattering and homemade concepts. This is usually a result of a low budget and the need to do something "different".
I was a bit weary at first about Matt's thoughts on a second hand clothes for our costumes, but after remembering he often made his costumes last minute at home with the help of his mom, I discovered he had a knack for creativity and he rocked it with confidence. Below is a photo of us at my nephews 1st birthday party as Vikings. The idea was inspired by the swords we had in the house and wanting to do something more masculine.
- Lots of duct tape (2 colors leftover from a friends business)
- Lots of aluminum foil
- 2 fake fur jackets from the second hand store ($8)
- 2 toilet paper rolls
- Hairspray to keep from shedding the fake hair!
- Scissors
- Brute force (mostly Matt)
- Top of a lobster pot second hand store ($4)
- Top of an appetizer platter second hand store ($2)
- Necklaces from the second hand store ($2)
- My boots with the fur
- Matt's rugby glove
- Two brown belts
- 2 swords he had from his last classroom
Nothing went to waste! Both costumes totaled a cost of $16. Everyone thought it was a hoot and followed up with, "So, where are you going tonight with those on?" Sadly, we did all that work just for the baby's party. Us, adult social life? Nope!
We had a blast making them though on the (Saturday) night before (lame I know!). But much more fun to remember than a quick trip to the store, although some homemade costumes don't compare the professional ones. Afterwards, I stashed it all away into our costume vault.
Here are a few fun websites to help inspire your next costume:
Other useful costume items:
- Wine cork - burn it over a candle and rub it on your skin to make a soot, or black smear
- Duct Tape - used as adhesive and to look like metal. Also strong to hold items together you don't want to ruin.
- Old sheets/Curtains - Can be cut up into any shape or need - Ghosts, Greek Goddess, Religion figures, etc.
- Scarfs - Can be wrapped around the neck, head or belly. Can be used for a Gypsy costume or Arabian.
- Belts - They work well for securing costumes up that don't have buttons/zippers.
- Boxes - Oh what you can do with boxes! Costume ideas include cars, house, table, sign, enlarged household items (Cereal box)
- Make-up - You can be anyone you want with enough make up! Or at least make a scarier version of your costume.
- Top hat - magician, dancer, entertainer, girl from Chicago, The Mad Hatter, etc.
Use your imagination!
My aunt does an incredible job sewing her son's costumes - including an astronaut and a race car driver uniform. It is truly impressive. You can tell she really takes her time to make it official. This guarantees her son gets a unique costume made it just for him! I hope I have the talent and energy someday to do that.
What was your favorite costume you've worn?
Please share how you went about making or choosing it!
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